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Pork shoulder is an affordable cut of meat that can be used in a variety of ways. From the Crock Pot to the oven, in bbq, nachos, and pasta sauces, this convenient collection includes more than 10 of the best pork shoulder recipes!
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Pork shoulder is a triangular cut of meat that comes from the shoulder of the pig’s forelimb. Sometimes called “picnic shoulder” or “picnic roast,” this cut is best when cooked low and slow, often used for braising, cut up for stew, or shredded in barbecue pulled pork.
The shoulder is a part of the pig that gets a lot of exercise, and therefore has a lot more tough connective tissue than other more tender interior cuts (like the loin). As a result, it’s important to prepare this meat correctly, or it will be tough and chewy. When slowly cooked at a low temperature over a long period of time, however, the tough connective tissue and fat break down and the meat becomes tender, succulent, and juicy.
The Difference Between Pork Shoulder and Pork Butt
Pork shoulder and pork butt both come from the shoulder of the pig, and can usually be used interchangeably in recipes. If some of these recipes call for a pork butt, rest assured that you can use a pork shoulder just as well. In fact, pork butt is often called “Boston butt” or “pork shoulder.”
Pork shoulder has more muscle, while pork butt has more intramuscular fat — which makes the pork butt a bit softer and more tender. Pork shoulder is typically cut into a triangular shape and sold with its skin on, while pork butt is rectangular-shaped and often sold with the bone-in and the skin-off.
The Best Cooking Method for a Pork Shoulder
Pork shoulder is best when cooked at a low temperature for a long period of time, which melts the fat and tenderizes the meat as the tough connective tissue breaks down. This low-and-slow cooking method can be accomplished with braising or stewing in a Dutch oven on the stovetop or in the oven, in a Crock Pot slow cooker, in an Instant Pot, or on a grill or smoker.
How many hours does it take to cook a pork shoulder?
Pork shoulder gets more tender the longer it cooks, as the tough connective tissue and fat slowly break down. The total cooking time will vary depending on the size of your pork shoulder, and on the cooking temperature and method. For instance, a 4-5 lb. bone-in pork shoulder might require 4-5 hours in a Dutch oven at 325°F. In a slow cooker, it’s safe to assume that your pork shoulder roast will need about 10-12 hours on LOW or 6-7 hours on HIGH.
What can I use pork shoulder for?
Whether grilled, roasted, braised, smoked, or fried, this versatile meat can be used in a variety of different recipes. Make zesty pulled pork sandwiches, a flavorful and cozy pork stew, a hearty pork ragu sauce, or a tray of pulled pork nachos. Scroll down for our list of the best pork shoulder recipes — you’re sure to find a new favorite!
Pork Shoulder Recipes
This convenient collection includes a variety of different ways to enjoy a pork shoulder. Remember, if the recipe calls for a pork butt or a Boston butt, the pork shoulder can also be used. Let me know your favorite!
Crock Pot Beer Pulled Pork with Maple BBQ Sauce
Crock Pot beer pulled pork is tender, juicy, and full of zesty flavor. Drizzle it with a homemade maple bbq sauce for an easy and affordable dinner any night of the week!
Honey Lime Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Tacos
The whole family will love these zesty and flavorful honey lime slow cooker pulled pork tacos with a fresh pineapple slaw! You can also use the tender shredded meat in burrito bowls, on salads, or with nachos.
Slow Cooker Carnitas {Mexican Pulled Pork}
These crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas are ready for the Crock Pot with just 5 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep! Stuff the Mexican pulled pork tenderloin in tacos or quesadillas, pile it onto rice bowls, or serve it over a hearty and satisfying taco salad. With a side of chips, salsa, and guacamole, the easy slow cooker carnitas make a perfect weeknight dinner!
Cider Braised Pork Shoulder Roast
Tender, juicy, savory, and sweet — this cider-braised pork shoulder roast is comfort food at its finest! The pulled pork recipe is perfect for a chilly fall evening after a day at the orchard — just let it simmer slowly in the oven or in a Crock Pot.
Crock Pot Pulled Pork with Apricot Preserves
There’s a “secret” ingredient in this Crock Pot pulled pork that adds delicious, subtle flavor! The sweet and savory combination of apricot preserves, apple cider vinegar, onion, and a zesty bbq dry rub yields tender, juicy, succulent slow cooked pork shoulder, Boston butt, pork butt, or picnic ham. Serve the shredded meat on sandwich buns, in tacos, on nachos, over rice, on salad, or alongside coleslaw, pickles, collard greens, potato wedges, and cornbread!
Pulled Pork Nachos
Whether you use leftover pulled pork from a previous meal, smoked pork from the local bbq restaurant, or a pack of store-bought pulled pork, these loaded Pulled Pork Nachos are a flavorful, easy dinner with just 5 ingredients and about 15 minutes of prep! Serve them with a side of coleslaw for a quick weeknight dinner, or set them out with a toppings bar for a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next Game Day gathering!
Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork {Crock Pot or Dutch Oven}
Tender, juicy, savory and sweet — this Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork is an easy lunch or dinner option that you can make in the Crock Pot or in a Dutch oven. Served on sandwich buns with a side of coleslaw, this is the best pulled pork recipe that you’ll ever sink your teeth into!
Pulled Pork Casserole with Cornbread Topping
A zesty filling made with bbq pulled pork, peppers, onions, and corn is topped with a cheesy cornbread crust in this easy and delicious pulled pork casserole. Pair it with a crisp green salad, Southern-style green beans, a creamy cucumber dill salad, or crunchy, refreshing coleslaw. It’s a great way to take advantage of leftover pulled pork or a container of store-bought shredded meat.
Dutch Oven Pork Stew
A simple, hearty, and nourishing pork stew is perfect cool-weather comfort food! The one pot meal is loaded with bacon, smoked sausage, tender meat, vegetables, beans, and herbs in a thick, rich gravy. Pair each bowl with cornbread muffins, buttermilk biscuits, or soft and fluffy crescent rolls for a satisfying, cozy supper.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork + White BBQ Sauce
Need an easy dinner recipe that you can prep in 10 minutes and then leave to cook all day while you head off to work? This slow cooker pulled pork with Alabama white bbq sauce is a simple Crock Pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or potluck parties with friends. Use the pulled pork in nachos, casseroles, salads, tacos, pizza, and sandwiches, or offer it alongside coleslaw, pickles, collard greens, potato wedges, or cornbread!
Pork Ragu {Crock Pot or Stovetop}
Total comfort food — with just 10 minutes of prep! Prepare this pork ragu recipe in the slow cooker or on the stovetop for an Italian-inspired, easy dinner that your family will adore! Serve the hearty meat sauce over pappardelle (or other pasta), and pair it with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a cozy supper any night of the week.
Crock Pot Pulled Pork
Crock Pot Pulled Pork is one of the easiest and most affordable slow cooker dinners you’ll ever make! With just a few minutes of prep, you can have a big batch of tender, juicy meat to use in tacos, sandwiches, wraps, or salads all week long. A flavorful bbq dry rub seasons the pulled pork, which is perfect when tossed with bbq sauce and piled high on buns! Serve it alongside coleslaw, pickles, collard greens, potato wedges, or cornbread!
Mississippi Pulled Pork {Oven or Crock Pot}
Just 5 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep make this Mississippi pulled pork crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside! Serve the pork shoulder roast on a sandwich, in tacos, over a salad, or paired with all of your favorite Southern sides. It’s an easy dinner recipe that the whole family will love!
Hi Blair,
I enjoy your website and recipes. There are so many great things that can be made with pork shoulder and pork butt. But I wanted to know if you’ve made any with an Instant Pot? I’ve had great success making Instant Pot pulled pork made with beer, liquid smoke, and vinegar ( I know.., sounds weird, but we central piedmont North Carolinians love our vinegar-based barbecue!) Since I’ve been using my Instant Pot, I find myself using my slow cooker less often, and look for more Instant Pot recipes.
Thanks from a fan
Thanks, Beverly! I own an Instant Pot, but I never use it. I know that some folks love them, but I just never got hooked on mine. I tend to use my Dutch oven or my slow cooker instead. 🙂